Italian Alps

The Italian Alps are beautiful, and they hide the poverty of the area from tourists. All of the Italian characters in the book—except Don Gregorio—have a connection to the community between Vilminore and Schilpario from which Enza and Ciro originate. Because of the poverty, many residents of the area go to the United States seeking employment. Some return with money to buy property, but most do not return permanently. For Ciro and Enza, the area is home, and they have multiple family and friend connections.

Little Italy

Little Italy is so named because of the rich Italian-American community within the New York City community. When Enza leaves Hoboken, she moves to Little Italy. Ciro, too, finds the community comfortable and somewhat of a buffer against the larger American society with its emphasis on speed and money.

Hoboken, N.J.

Hoboken is where Enza first lives...